AVON – SeniorsPlus will offer a public presentation to help seniors understand how they will be affected by the new Medicare prescription drug benefit going into effect on Jan. 1 and what they need to do get the benefit.

The talk, followed by questions and answers, will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Avon Community Hall. Anyone wanting to know more about Part D and how it will affect them or someone they love is welcome to attend.

People who are on Medicare, whether they are 65 and over or get Medicare through SSI, are eligible for the benefit. Medicare beneficiaries who also have MaineCare or who have help now paying for their Medicare premiums automatically qualify for extra help with the costs of the prescription benefit.

People who are low-income and have low assets can apply to qualify for extra help. For others, the benefit operates much like private insurance, with premiums and deductibles. People may enroll in a plan starting Nov. 15. Anyone who is enrolled before the end of December may get benefits on the first day plans go into effect on Jan. 1.

“Because it affects everyone on Medicare, and because there are penalties for those who later may want to join a plan but do not sign up at first, it is important that all seniors make an informed choice,” said Sandy Gregor, SeniorsPlus Community Center coordinator.

Gregor will be joined by long-time SeniorsPlus volunteer Dot Haggan, who will assist people making an application. Anyone who has not already filed an application and wishes assistance should bring financial information with them, including statements that show account balances at banks or other financial institutions, payroll, pension and social security amounts or tax returns, information on investments or stock holdings and life insurance policy statements.